Bridges and churches, an ancient yew forest, and hiking areas with varying levels of difficulty give Carballeda a varied character. If you are looking for accommodation, these themes can help you choose where to stay: would you like to explore historic buildings, spend time by the river, or set aside time for challenging hikes? The sights and landscapes offer specific points of interest, without creating a set itinerary.
Bridges and River Landscapes
The Ponte Nova de Sobradelo, also known as Puente de Sobradelo, dates from the 17th century. It has seven arches and is more than 100 metres long. Its location on the Camino Real between A Coruña and Madrid gives the bridge its own historical context. In Sobradelo, it is also a central feature of the area around the Malecón de Sobradelo. The riverside promenade runs along the Río Sil. Stone was the main material used in its renovation, and the added concrete benches blend harmoniously into the surroundings.
Another structure is the Puente sobre el Río Casaio. It was restored in 2018, with its original forms and materials respected. The use of the surrounding area is also part of the site’s history: an area around a derelict house ruin by the bridge was used as a viewpoint overlooking the gorge and the structure. This site is therefore notable both for its careful restoration and for the uncertainty surrounding its early history.
Churches with distinctive details
The Igrexa de San Vicente in Carballeda (San Vicenzo) is part of Galicia’s architectural heritage. The Iglesia de San Julián de Casoio has a Mannerist altarpiece. At the Iglesia Padre Eterno de Lardeira, meanwhile, the focus is on specific restoration work: the small chapel was recently restored, its old slate floor reinstated, its roof repaired, and an exterior porch built. The churches therefore offer a range of points of interest—from their status as heritage sites to their furnishings and changes to the buildings themselves.
Hiking and understanding the landscape
The Teixadal de Casaio is a small forest with around 400 yew trees, some of which are more than 500 years old. Reaching it requires a long hike and steep climbs. The routes are considered difficult and have a high level of difficulty. If you are considering this hike, allow for the challenging approach and check current route conditions in advance.
Fonte da Cova offers a different perspective on the landscape: the area lies at an altitude of about 1,800 metres at the foot of the Pena-Trevinca massif and is suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities. At the Teixadal, long trails and steep climbs are a clear part of the planning; at Fonte da Cova, the altitude and opportunities for outdoor activities shape the experience. The Valdeorras landscape is characterised by slate, as can also be seen at A Medua in Carballeda de Valdeorras.
For an overview of the municipality, the Mirador de A Costa is a useful vantage point: from there, you can see the whole municipality, as well as a distant panorama of the Roman bridge and the Río Sil. The riverside promenade and viewpoint thus offer different perspectives on the river and its surroundings.
A festival with specific dates
The Festas de San Xusto e Pastor is the patron saint festival of the parish of Carballeda. The 2026 edition was scheduled for 1 to 3 August. The 2026 programme was set to include a morning bagpipe serenade at 10 a.m., a festive procession, a procession at 1 p.m., and a sung Mass in honour of the holy martyrs. If you are considering travelling for the festival, check the dates and programme for the relevant edition.
Discover more destinations: Untes, Barbadás, Coles, Lobios, O Viso, Vilamartín de Valdeorras, Cea, Casaio
For the main travel overview: Ourense.
